“Why?” Myles’s grey gaze is unwavering. It’s not a “no’, though.
“A developer has put in a bid on the land, and it’s just been accepted by the local council. They want to put a hotel on the cliff above. And turn this beautiful place into some sort of fancy spa.” I spit the last words. “Our only hope to save it is if someone offers more than they have. It’s a few hundred thousand dollars. I can’t afford to buy it. But you can.”
Myles doesn’t say anything, but one dark eyebrow goes up. He pays me a lot of money to represent his brand. I take in a deep breath.
“I can’t afford it because I’m paying for my brother to attend an Ivy League university. And putting money into a trust, for both of us. He… He’s all I have in the world.” The words tumble from me.
Myles’s stern expression softens. “And if I buy it, do I have to put a hotel here?”
“Oh god, no. No. I was thinking of your foundation, like I say. So it can be preserved, for the island. For everyone.”
Myles crouches down, running his hand through the water, crystal droplets falling from his fingers as he stands. His head tilts, his gaze coming to me once more. “Who wants to buy it?”
“The Blackburghs.”
Myles’s jaw clenches. “Fuck. How do you know?”
Shit. I don’t want to give away Axel’s secret. But at the same time, I know Myles. He’ll want to know everything about the deal, in case it comes back to bite him. And I trust him.
So I tell him about Axel.
“You can’t tell anyone, please.”
“Fuck me.” Myles runs a hand through his hair. “I’ve got a Black Axe. Had it made for me before he closed down. One of the best boards I’ve ever owned. He’s a decent bloke, too, from what I remember.”
“He is.”
Myles grins. “Is that right?”
“Is what right?”
“Jade, you just got the dreamiest look on your face when you agreed with me. I know that look.”
I stare at him, heat rising to my cheeks. “I don’t know what?—”
“Your secret is safe with me.” He gets to his feet, still grinning. “And for the record, I’ve never seen you look so well. Whatever he’s doing must be agreeing with you.”
“It is.” God. My face is on fire. Myles starts laughing, but it dies away as he looks around once more.
“You were right to bring me here.” His voice softens. “This is a small piece of wonder. I like to hope my son might still get to see places like this when he grows up.”
“So you’ll buy it?”
He’s frowning, now. “I need to see whether or not it’s still possible. Knowing the Blackburghs, there will be a lot of clauses in whatever agreement they’ve made to prevent any other buyer swooping in. I’ll need to get my lawyers involved.”
My heart sinks. Of course he’s right. “But you’ll try.”
He nods, glancing at me. “I’ll do what I can.”
“Thank you.” Tears prickle at my eyelids, relief running through me. I can’t wait to tell Axel.
As we head back towards the jetty, where Myles’s tender is already waiting, he puts his arm around my shoulders.
“How many more years does your brother have in school?”
“Two more.”
“What’s he studying?”
